School board views budget for next year

The challenges for the 2013-14 fiscal year for Davidson County Schools will be operating with reductions in state and federal funding that will have to be absorbed on the local budget level.

BY DENEESHA EDWARDSThe Dispatch

The challenges for the 2013-14 fiscal year for Davidson County Schools will be operating with reductions in state and federal funding that will have to be absorbed on the local budget level.The board of education received its first glance Monday at next year's local current expense budget. The system plans to ask the Davidson County Commissioners for a 3 percent increase over last year's request.If approved, the county schools will have a total operating budget of $28.8 million next school year. Added to the amount requested from the commissioners, $22.1 million, is $5 million from the system's fund balance and other appropriations, such as from fines and forfeitures. Last year the system received $21.5 million from commissioners. The system is hoping to receive $644,698 more next school year to help reach its goals for next year — to provide technologies to operate various instructional and data management platforms for students and staff; to continue to support and maintain the Yadkin Valley Career Academy; to upkeep maintenance of buildings and parking lots to prevent extensive damage; and to maintain the current workforce at the current level.The local budget does not include state or federal funds. The system is already projecting $5.5 million in reductions ($4.9 million in discretionary funds that has to be returned to the state and $532,186 in sequestration funds on the federal level) that will have to be absorb on the local level.Pam Sink, chief finance officer for the system, also noted that according to the governor's budget there will be a 1 percent salary increase. There will also be 1 percent increases with FICA employer and retirement employer matching. All of those items are reasons the systems seeks more money from the commissioners.The system also has the task of funding an additional grade at Yadkin Valley Career Academy. The school opened this school year with more than 50 freshman at Davidson High School as a new model of innovative education focusing on entrepreneurship; the science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, training workforce; and 21st century work skills. The school is currently in the recruiting stages for next school year.Other reasons for the additional amount of money involve the increase of computer hardware, equipment and software, as well as supplies, materials, workshops reproduction cost utilities — electricity, water, sewer and gas— and contracted services. The district also seeks more money for its Stoner-Thomas School and Teen Parent programs.The system is also seeking a 3 percent increase for its capital outlay budget, which is $73,188 more than what they received last year from the county that will give them $2.5 million.Sink reminded the board that out of its category I funds they are required to pay $220,014 on their debt service for the U.S. Qualified School Construction Bonds, part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act that administers "low or no interest" bonds for renovations or new buildings.Some of the projects under category I include: asbestos abatement, water line replacement at Fair Grove Elementary, intermediate metal roof and boiler at Denton Elementary, water line at North Davidson High School, water line replacement at Tyro Middle School, American Disabilities Act upgrade at Pilot Elementary and an extended stage at Central Davidson Middle School. Category II and III projects are equipment school allotment, computer equipment, furniture, state bus, activity bus and cars/trucks.The board will vote the May 6 meeting to send the proposed budget to the commissioners for consideration. On that night a public hearing will be held as well. Community members can contact the system to request copies on the budget.In other news, the board:• Was presented with the 2013-14 calendar for the Yadkin Valley Career Academy. Principal James Fitzgerald presented the board with a calendar that was congruent with Davidson County Community College due to its partnership where students are taking classes on the campus. This year the school operated on the same calendar as the school system.The school proposed starting on Aug. 7 to get students familiar with the setting and school before classes on the college campus start on Aug. 19. Due to the school system first day of class taking place on Aug. 26, a shuttle service will travel to the six traditional county high schools involved to pick up students. Lexington and Thomasville City schools will have to provide their own transportation. Fitzgerald noted there will be 19 days on the fiscal year where Davidson County Schools will be closed and the career academy will be in session. He gave an example of a difference which would be Spring Break dates. He said the college personnel worked with the school this year. The school year will end on May 20.Catherine Gentry, interim principal at Davidson Early College High School, presented next year's calendar that is very similar to the career academy due to students taking college classes as well. Their school year will begin on Aug. 7 and end on May 21 for students• Heard a request from South Davidson High School Principal Mike Lawson to hold the 2013 graduation ceremony at Mount Zion Wesleyan Church in Thomasville. In a memo, Lawson stated that facility would create a more suitable and comfortable environment for the graduates and guests. He also noted that the graduation had been held at that venue in the past. The board approved the change in venue.Deneesha Edwards can be reached at 249-3981, ext. 213, or at deneesha.edwards@the-dispatch.com.